Natural Treatments for Bronchitis

Natural Treatments for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a serious chest infection that is caused by a virus or bacteria. This normally results in the inflammation of the bronchial passages of the lungs, which often become clogged with mucous. This makes breathing difficult and often results in a cough with symptoms similar to the flu – with fever and chills.

Many natural treatments are now often used in conjunction with conventional medicine in the treatment of serious disease and infections with extremely positive results. The popularity of natural treatments is reflected in the growing acceptance by the medical profession of certain natural therapies and approaches to healing. The following are some of the natural treatments that are commonly used to treat bronchitis, and are focused on easing congestion and alleviating breathing:

Acupuncture for bronchitis: Acupuncture is a healing technique developed under Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), whereby microscopic needles are inserted into specific points in the skin. These points are located on the energy meridians of the body, which need to be kept free of blockages to ensure we remain healthy. Any ailment, disease or infection is considered a blockage, and produces an imbalance in the body’s energy flow. Acupuncture is designed to pinpoint the area of the blockage and release it.

Aromatherapy for bronchitis: Aromatherapy is based on natural extracts from plants and flowers, which are used to stimulate our senses for sedative or healing effect. The extracts are typically in oil form and can be massaged into the body, infused in a bath; or diffused for inhalation. This can be especially beneficial for chest infections as certain essential oils can help open the respiratory tract and release phlegm.

Herbal medicine for bronchitis: Herbal medicine is an ancient practise that utilises elements of plants and flowers to effect healing on a wide range of illnesses and disease. Any part of the plant including the roots, stem or leaves can be utilised, and can be infused, diluted or used whole.

Homeopathy for bronchitis: Homeopathy uses the principle of like healing like, with a range of diluted remedies designed to stimulate the body’s natural defences and heal itself. These remedies are prescribed by guidelines developed over time, and are specific to particular conditions and ailments.

Nutrition for bronchitis: A healthy diet is at the heart of the principle of nutrition playing a crucial role in our day to day health. This involves eating a balanced selection of foods from a range of food groups, with an emphasis on fresh, unprocessed product. This is essential to enable our body to respond to stress, infection and disease by ensuring our immune system is robust.